Fraudsters continue to target channel
Resellers warn of need for staff to be more aware
Despite warnings from police and increased publicity around the subject, resellers have told CRN that fraudsters are continuing to target the channel.
One credit manager at a reseller of audio and visual equipment, who wished to remain anonymous, said the company was hit by over £100,000 in attempted fraud in one week last month.
He said the Metropolitan Police are working with the reseller and are advising of an increase in this type of activity.
He added that staff awareness has helped the company prevent all types of fraud.
"Nothing has really changed, but we have had a spate of it recently, and the key to overcoming it is staff awareness at all levels," he said. The firm lost about £40,000 to fraud last year, he said.
Glenn Morrison, managing director of distributor Upgrade Options, said fraudsters will always move into new forms of deceit, and although cheque and bankers draft fraud is easier to spot than card-not-present fraud, staff must be made aware.
"It is important to create a culture of responsibility among staff," he said. "The golden rule is to establish that the person that is paying the money knows they are ordering the products."